Selvino
Selvino: Between the Val Seriana and Val Brembana
Selvino is a small town of 1,998 inhabitants located in the province of Bergamo, in Lombardy. The town is about 22 kilometers northeast of Bergamo and is part of the Valle Seriana Mountain Community. Its geographical location is very favorable, as it develops on a plateau between 920 and 950 meters above sea level, delimited by the mountains Perello, Monte Podona, Monte Poieto, and Purito. Although it is considered part of the Val Seriana both geographically and historically, half of its territory falls within the watershed of the Val Serina, a tributary of the Val Brembana.
Territory
The administrative boundaries of Selvino are given to the north by Rigosa and to the northwest by Sambusita, both hamlets of Algua; to the northeast with Aviatico, with which it forms the plateau area, while to the east with Ama (Aviatico). To the southeast, the slopes of Mount Purito administratively divide it from Albino, while to the south it is delimited by Nembro. Finally, to the west, Mount Podona separates it from the village of Salmezza.
As for hydrography, there are not many watercourses that cross the municipal territory. Among the main ones, we find the Cantor, which develops on the slope of the Val Serina and flows into the Ambriola, and the Albina, which descends towards the Val Seriana and flows into the Serio River at Albino.
Internal road connectivity is guaranteed by the SP-36, which connects Selvino with Nembro and Aviatico, and by the SP-28, which connects Selvino with Rigosa and Ambriola. Furthermore, the Albino-Selvino cable car plays an important role in individual transportation.
Origins and Toponymy
The name of the town comes from the Latin word "silva" or "selvina", which means "vegetation", "forest", "scrub", and then "small forest". Bortolo Belotti identified it already mentioned in 955 when the first character present in Selvino was indicated: a certain Arimondi, son of "quondam" Aunemundi da Selvino. Thus, Giovanni Maironi da Ponte's hypothesis that indicated the Lombard Salvino Gritti, known as Grigis, who with his sons to escape the northern invasions, took refuge in this vegetation-rich area building a stronghold, is denied.
History and Tourism
Selvino, like most of the towns in Upper Lombardy, was born and developed thanks to agro-pastoral economy and forest resources. The population is dedicated to cultivation of cereals, beekeeping, and pastoralism, while the inhabitants of the surrounding areas went to Selvino to search for wood and chestnuts.
Over time, tourism becomes increasingly important for the town's economy. Thanks to its location, Selvino becomes a vacation spot for many people from Bergamo and Milan who wish to spend a few days immersed in nature and away from the chaos of the city.
Among the tourist attractions of the town, we find the cable car, which connects Selvino to Albino, and offers spectacular views, even over the Bergamo plain. In addition, there are numerous skiing slopes, ranging from the easiest to the most challenging, perfect for sports enthusiasts.
There are also hiking or mountain biking excursions on the trails that develop among the surrounding mountains and offer spectacular views of the underlying valleys.
Gastronomy
The typical cuisine of Selvino is based on local products: mushrooms, chestnuts, polenta, cheeses, and cured meats. Among the typical dishes, we find "casoncelli", a kind of meat-filled ravioli, "polenta and mushrooms," "porcini mushroom risotto", cheeses like "bagòss" and "taleggio," and cured meats like "pancetta" and "cacciatora." There is also the famous "moscato di Scanzo", an excellent red wine produced in the homonymous locality.
Conclusions
Selvino is a small town immersed in nature, perfect for those seeking tranquility and relaxation, but also for those who want to do sports or discover local products. The town offers spectacular views, hiking trails, skiing slopes, and a rich and tasty cuisine. If you want to spend a few days away from the chaos of the city, Selvino is definitely an excellent choice!
